From Lahore With Love

From Lahore With Love

Pakistan | Friday, November 16, 2012 | 5 photos

I've been an art and culture journalist in Lahore, Pakistan since 2001/2002.

Having interviewed a vast number of local (and foreign) artistes associated with music, fashion, theater, television and cinema since I started out, it was only until grad school (at Columbia) that I realized how much fun photography could be.

During my 10-month MS (in Print Journalism) program at Columbia, I would borrow a heavy-duty, fancy SLR from the lab at school every day - without fail. As an international student in New York, the city really terrified me. But as melodramatic as this may sound, photography helped me gain confidence in New York. I would walk around the city and photograph beautiful buildings, shopkeepers, people, new friends and dogs (in all shapes and sizes) on the street.

When I returned to Pakistan in 2010, I couldn't stop taking pictures. I was hooked. While I realize I'm a complete amateur at the craft, it doesn't bother me.

I'd rather shoot, take pictures with abandon - it makes me feel exhilarated, more connected and more in love with my city and its people than ever before.